As we approach the end of the summer season, now is the perfect time to reflect on your outdoor living space. Whether you have a cozy backyard, a spacious garden, or an income property, evaluating what worked and what didn’t can help you make the most of your outdoor area for next year. This guide will help you analyze your space, identify areas for improvement, and plan upgrades that will enhance your outdoor living experience.
This design by Elizabeth Przygoda of Boxhill earned her recognition in both Gardenista's 2017 Considered Design Awards and HGTV's 2018 Ultimate Outdoor Awards.
Start by taking a moment to think about how you used your outdoor space this year. Consider the following questions and prompts to guide your reflection:
Usage Frequency:
How often did you use your outdoor space?
Were there certain areas you used more frequently than others?
Functionality:
Did your outdoor furniture and layout meet your needs?
Were there any functional issues, such as inadequate seating, lack of shade, or poor lighting?
Comfort and Enjoyment:
What aspects of your outdoor space did you enjoy the most?
Were there any elements that detracted from your comfort?
Aesthetic Appeal:
Did your outdoor space align with your design preferences?
Were there any design elements that felt out of place or outdated?
Memorable Moments:
What are some of the best memories you created in your outdoor space this year?
How can you enhance these experiences for next year?
Maintenance:
How easy was it to maintain your outdoor space?
Were there any elements that required excessive upkeep?
Design by Elizabeth Przygoda of Boxhill. You don't always need to get new furniture! Sometimes fresh upholstery is all it takes to give your patio a refreshed, relevant feeling again.
Based on your reflections, identify specific areas that need improvement. This could range from minor tweaks to major renovations. Here are some common areas to consider:
Seating and Comfort: Upgrade to more comfortable and durable seating options. Consider adding cushions, hammocks, or lounge chairs.
Shade and Shelter: Install pergolas, umbrellas, or shade sails to create cooler, shaded areas. Browse Patio Umbrellas.
Lighting: Improve outdoor lighting for better ambiance and functionality. Solar-powered lights, string lights, and lanterns are popular choices. Browse Outdoor Lighting.
Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Areas: Enhance your outdoor cooking and dining experience with built-in grills, outdoor kitchens, and spacious dining tables. Browse Outdoor Dining.
Landscaping: Refresh your landscaping with new plants, flowers, and garden features. Consider adding water features or pathways. Browse Modern Outdoor Planters.
Entertainment: Add entertainment options like fire pits, outdoor speakers, or a projection screen for movie nights. Browse Outdoor Fire.
Design by Elizabeth Przygoda of Boxhill. Our client felt their rooftop patio was feeling outdated, so we swapped out a few key pieces (like the square tapered fire pit for a more modern rectangular one) and reupholstered a few furniture cushions for an updated color palette.
Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, it’s time to plan and prioritize. Here’s a framework to help you organize your upgrades:
Budget: Determine your budget for outdoor improvements. Allocate funds based on priority and potential impact. If you're thinking outdoor kitchen, check our our handy budget planner.
Timeline: Decide on a timeline for your projects. Some upgrades might be urgent, while others can be planned for later in the year.
Professional Help: Consider hiring a designer or landscaper for major renovations. Professionals can provide valuable insights and ensure your projects are executed flawlessly.
DIY Projects: Identify which upgrades you can tackle on your own. Simple tasks like planting new flowers, adding lighting, or rearranging furniture can often be done without professional help.
Design by Elizabeth Przygoda of Boxhill. A blank canvas, complete backyard overhaul can be daunting. We divided this yard into a series of vignettes (cooking, dining, lounge, putting green) to make it easier to conceptualize, and more functional for the client. If you can't do a complete overhaul, tackle one area at a time!
To get you started, here are some practical solutions and recommendations:
Upgrade Your Furniture: Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant furniture. Materials like teak, aluminum, and synthetic wicker are durable and stylish. Psst... our currated collection of modern outdoor furniture checks all the boxes for quality and style. Plus if you're a trade professional, you can enjoy complimentary perks like boutique procurment, design assistant services, and exclusive pricing. Apply here.
Add Shade: Install retractable awnings or shade sails to provide flexible shade options. Consider planting trees or tall shrubs for natural shade. If you need help finding the right shade source, we've got a few resources that you might find useful. Check out How to Choose the Best Shade Structure for Your Outdoor Space, The 5 Best Patio Umbrellas of 2024, and The Ultimate Patio Umbrella Shopping Guide.
Improve Lighting: Use a mix of overhead lights, pathway lights, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. If you're new to outdoor lighting, we've got a couple of helpful resources. Check out Outdoor Lighting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Illuminating Your Space, and How to Light Your Landscape Like A Pro.
Enhance Dining Areas: Upgrade your dining setup with a sturdy table, comfortable chairs, and an outdoor rug. Add a bar cart or a mini-fridge for convenience. If shopping for the right sized dining table is throwing you for a loop, we've got you! Check out a our article How to Choose an Outdoor Dining Table.
Create Cozy Corners: Designate specific areas for relaxation, such as a reading nook with a hammock or a quiet corner with a rocking chair and side table. Browse our Outdoor Lounge Chair collection to get your imagination going.
Incorporate Technology: Add smart outdoor devices like weatherproof speakers, Wi-Fi boosters, and automated lighting systems to enhance your outdoor experience.
By taking the time to reflect on this year's experiences and planning ahead, you can create an outdoor space that not only meets your needs but also enhances your lifestyle. Whether it’s a minor update or a complete overhaul, Boxhill is here to help you make the most of your outdoor living area.
Interested in a custom design project?
We’re here to help. Complete this form to get a conversation started with our skilled design team.
Interested in a custom design project?
We’re here to help. Complete this form to get a conversation started with our skilled design team.
